Whaler’s Knoll – 180 Feet of Monterey Vertical

On the family trip to California for Chris and Ellie’s wedding we drove right past Pilot Peak (near Wendover, Nevada), through the Sierras at Lake Tahoe, to eventually end up at Point Lobos State Reserve located on the southern end of the Monterey Penninsula. What a beautiful place! We first took a walk through a grove of Monterey Cypress (Cypress Grove Trail) to an overlook of the Pacific Ocean. Another short hike (Sea Lion Trail) took us back to the ocean with a view of seals and sea lions.

The hike up Whaler’s Knoll was uneventful – a quick dash up the 180′ tall monster, followed by quick work on a Safeway deli counter Cheeseburger. If you head to Point Lobos note that in addition to Whaler’s Knoll, you can climb the equally impressive Sand Hill and Rat Hill.